In Classroom of the Elite, My Love Stock Market Only Wants a Full Position

Hashiba Hikaru stared at her face and asked softly, "Does Kushida-san know how Horikita-san's grades are?"

This was a question he already knew the answer to; he had actually heard this information from Ichinose last time, and it was Kushida who had told her.

Horikita Suzune's grades were excellent, and she didn't have any weak subjects.

"Grades? Horikita-san's grades are very good, actually. It seems like she has high scores in every subject."

"Then that makes things easier."

Hashiba Hikaru looked at the short-haired girl in front of him earnestly and began to explain the plan he had conceived.

"Although this Horikita-san prefers to keep to herself, judging by the fact that she was willing to pay points last time, we can confirm that she likely cares quite a bit about the class."

The boy spoke at a measured pace: "Didn't Kushida-san just say that some students in the class aren't taking their studies seriously? In that case, Kushida-san could take the lead in organizing a study group and invite Horikita-san to act as a tutor to guide everyone."

"In the process, Kushida-san can help out as well. I believe this will allow you to close the distance with Horikita-san and eventually become friends with her."

"Will it really go that smoothly?"

Kushida recalled how that woman always looked down on everyone; how could she possibly agree to be a tutor to teach the students in the class? Even she herself wouldn't want to do something like that.

"Well, I believe that where there's a will, there's a way. If you don't take the initiative, I'm afraid Kushida-san will never find a good opportunity," Hashiba Hikaru's expression was enthusiastic, as if he were truly helping with all his heart.

"If you use a bit more persuasion when you go to invite Horikita-san, I believe she will definitely understand."

"Is this really okay?" Kushida's expression remained somewhat worried.

"Yes, I think that since Kushida-san is so dedicated to serving the class, you will surely be able to move Horikita-san."

Looking at the sincerity on the boy's face, Kushida couldn't help but start weighing the pros and cons of this plan in her mind.

Ever since she saw that scene of Hashiba Hikaru deceiving the upperclassman, her impression of the boy had changed completely. Kushida felt that it was highly likely that Hashiba Hikaru, like her, had a hidden true face that perhaps no one had ever seen.

Therefore, she didn't think this guy was offering ideas so enthusiastically out of kindness; he must want something from her.

But on second thought, Kushida felt that following this line of reasoning wouldn't hurt. She was indeed very anxious to find out about Horikita's situation right now. If that girl really knew her secret, she had to prepare in advance; she had to make Horikita Suzune drop out as soon as possible.

As for this Hashiba-kun, she would be on her guard and would absolutely not fall into his trap.

"Then I'll give it a try. I don't know if it will succeed, but I hope Horikita-san is willing to help everyone. The students haven't been very focused on their studies lately, so it would be great if we could change that atmosphere."

Kushida cheered herself up with great energy and said to Hashiba Hikaru with a beaming smile, "Thank you for helping me with these ideas, Hashiba-kun. It's really great to have you here."

"I'm not doing this for free, am I? Isn't this me mooching a meal off of Kushida-san?"

Hashiba Hikaru indicated that he had already received his reward and chuckled, "Besides, I'm willing to help Kushida-san because I want to be friends with you."

"Really?"

A flattered smile appeared on Kushida Kikyo's face, and she immediately stated that she had long considered Hashiba Hikaru a friend.

"Of course it's true. Not only that, Ichinose-san also thinks Kushida-san is great; she mentions your name in front of me sometimes."

This was, of course, nonsense. Hashiba Hikaru had never been interested in idle chatter, and what he discussed most with Ichinose Honami were plans for class competition. Even if Ichinose really did mention Kushida, it wouldn't have been to him.

As soon as these words were out, a look of curiosity immediately appeared in the eyes of Kushida Kikyo opposite him, and she hurriedly asked, "What does Honami-chan say about me?"

"She says that Kushida-san is always thinking of the class and is a very excellent person."

Hashiba Hikaru's attitude and tone were very sincere; after all, lies didn't cost a thing.

"Oh, come on, I'm not as good as Hashiba-kun makes me out to be." A faint blush appeared on Kushida's pretty face, though it was unclear whether she was truly shy or just pretending.

"In any case, I think Kushida-san can try doing as I just said—invite Horikita-san to hold a study group. You might just make some progress in your relationship."

"Mm-hmm, I'll give it a try."

The two chatted while they ate, and under the support of their respective acting skills, the meal passed in an incredibly harmonious atmosphere.

About an hour later, they finished their meal, and Kushida Kikyo and Hashiba Hikaru stood up and walked out of the family restaurant.

The boy glanced at the system's Stock Interface. Although he had proposed the study group plan to make friends, the stock price of Kushida Kikyo hadn't changed in the slightest. This only went to show that empty promises were ineffective on Kushida Kikyo.

But it didn't matter. Hashiba Hikaru planned to send a message to Horikita Suzune when he got back tonight, telling her to accept Kushida's invitation to the study group when the time came. After all, he still had Horikita Manabu's contact information; this move would definitely allow him to manipulate that cold, black-haired girl.

This was the strategy the boy had just thought of for handling the two different stocks of Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyo: pushing them in both directions to manipulate the market.

As for whether it would be effective, that would depend on future developments.

Hashiba Hikaru intended to part ways with Kushida after dinner. After all, he knew that Ichinose Honami would be meeting Sakayanagi here today, and it was better for him to leave quickly now that his own business was finished.

"Let's call it a day, then. I'll head back to the dorms first. What about you, Kushida-san?" Hashiba Hikaru asked for her opinion.

"I still have to accompany a friend to go shopping, so I won't be heading the same way as Hashiba-kun."

Kushida looked at her phone; she always had many people contacting her. She was truly a social butterfly who spanned across several classes.

"I see, then see you later."

Just as Hashiba Hikaru was about to part ways with Kushida Kikyo, a familiar figure appeared before him, and in the next second, a joyful greeting reached the boy's ears.

"Honami-chan, good afternoon!"

"..."

Hashiba Hikaru looked up with an awkward expression. The person who had appeared before him was, of course, Ichinose Honami.

Wait, aren't you supposed to be at the cafe on the other side?

"Hashiba-kun?"

The gentle expression that usually graced the girl's pretty face was long gone. Ichinose stared at Hashiba Hikaru before her with a blank expression, her eyes beginning to scan the boy's attire.

He was dressed in a smart casual outfit and seemed to have even styled his hair, while Kushida Kikyo, standing right next to him, was also in civilian clothes, looking exceptionally cute.

What were these two doing?

Could it be... a date!?

Chapter 62: Crashing Is Impossible

When Hashiba Hikaru saw Ichinose Honami across the way, he felt a sense of helplessness in his heart.

Keyaki Mall was quite large, so running into her like this could only be described as a twist of fate.

He decided to play dumb for a moment, greeting the girl opposite him with a smile: "Good afternoon, Ichinose-san."

"What... are you two doing?"

"It's about that matter from before, don't you know, Ichinose-san?" Hashiba Hikaru tried to keep his tone as gentle as possible, explaining slowly, "Kushida-san wanted to thank me for explaining the hidden rules to them, so she invited me to lunch today."

"I didn't expect to run into you right after we finished eating. What a coincidence."

"Indeed, it seems I have quite the connection with little Honami, to be able to meet you here," Kushida Kikyo said, utilizing her instincts as a social butterfly to greet the girl with a smile.

"Is that so? It really is quite a coincidence... hehe."

After hearing Hashiba Hikaru's explanation, Ichinose Honami understood that this was likely just a normal social activity, but she still felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort, and her expression grew noticeably gloomier.

"Um... Inogashira-san is urging me, so I'll be heading off now."

Although she really wanted to stay and watch the drama unfold, Kushida Kikyo was someone who knew how to read the room. Once she caught the shift in Ichinose Honami's expression, she immediately prepared to slip away.

"Mm, goodbye, Kushida-san."

Once Kushida Kikyo had taken her leave, Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami walked back from Keyaki Mall together. Observing the look on the girl's pretty face, the boy took the initiative to start a conversation.

"Ichinose-san, did your information gathering go smoothly today?"

"Yes, I have a general understanding of Sakayanagi-san's attitude now. We even chatted about topics between girls; the atmosphere was quite harmonious."

Despite the lingering resentment in her heart, Ichinose still answered Hashiba Hikaru's questions readily.

"That's good. Let's review everything together tomorrow," Hashiba Hikaru said, looking ahead with a calm tone. "I will also synchronize the information I've gathered with you."

"Gathered?"

Upon hearing those two words, the girl's previously dim eyes instantly brightened, and she asked subconsciously.

"What kind of information?"

"About Class D, of course. What else could it be?"

Hashiba Hikaru smiled slightly. This was the best strategy he had devised to appease Ichinose Honami; as long as he framed this private meeting in the context of class competition, it would be easy to divert the girl's attention.

He could also rearrange his words. What Hashiba Hikaru actually knew was that Kushida Kikyo wanted to be friends with Horikita Suzune, but when he spoke, he could frame it as a study session he had proposed himself, while incidentally extending it to helping Class B.

The point wasn't whether the information was true or false, but to put Ichinose Honami at ease.

Hashiba Hikaru had roughly guessed why Ichinose was feeling upset—it was nothing more than seeing him specifically dress up in casual clothes to have a private meal with Kushida.

This was something she already knew about, and it was normal in a social context, but if he didn't resolve this, she might start overthinking things again.

Although Hashiba Hikaru couldn't truly advance their relationship right now, dispelling the girl's inner anxiety was still important; after all, he still held a large amount of her "stock."

"My private meeting with Kushida-san today certainly wasn't just a simple meal," Hashiba Hikaru looked at the girl's profile. Her expression softened significantly the moment he mentioned "information," proving it was highly effective.

"As for the specific details, let me go back and organize them today. Can I tell you tomorrow?"

"Mm-hmm, I trust you, Hashiba-kun."

"Didn't I say before that I would leave the task of formulating class plans to you, Ichinose-san? But I ended up habitually scouting for information without realizing it. Does that count as a breach of contract?" Hashiba Hikaru cast his hook.

"Of course not!"

A solemn look appeared on Ichinose Honami's small face, and she stared at the boy with burning eyes: "I know that Hashiba-kun has always been acting for the sake of the class. No matter what you do, I will believe in you. As for that agreement..."

"Since only the two of us know about it anyway, if I say you didn't breach the contract, then you didn't."

When she said this, the girl seemed a bit embarrassed, a faint blush spreading across her pretty face.

"That's good. I thought Ichinose-san's expression looked a bit off earlier because you were angry that I contacted Kushida-san to scout for information without permission. Now I can finally rest easy."

Hashiba Hikaru casually made a gesture of stroking his chest, as if he were truly relieved.

All these displays fell into the eyes of Ichinose Honami beside him, causing the girl's heart to tremble uncontrollably.

Sure enough, being assigned to Class B with Hashiba-kun is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me. We will definitely walk together forever and ever.

"Honestly, why would you think that, Hashiba-kun? You can do whatever you want; just tell me afterward. We are the closest of partners, and I would never blame you."

A brilliant smile appeared on Ichinose Honami's pretty face, and those moving eyes locked the boy's figure firmly within them, as if it would never fade away.

"Is that so? Do I really hold such a significant place in your heart, Ichinose-san? I'm truly flattered."

"Mm-hmm, you've always been important."

Although she was shy about it, Ichinose Honami answered with absolute sincerity: "Being assigned to Class B with Hashiba-kun is the luckiest thing I've ever encountered."

"Hahaha, me too. Being in Class B with Ichinose-san is truly great."

Hashiba Hikaru gave a dry laugh. This was a sincere statement; after all, having a classmate who cared for the class with all her heart by his side made it much easier for him to formulate class plans.

"Mm, if there's a chance next time, I'd like to treat Hashiba-kun to a meal too, just the two of us..." Ichinose Honami suddenly turned her head, her tone carrying a hint of shyness. "Hashiba-kun... what do you think?"

"That's fine, but I feel like you're always the ones treating me to meals. I feel like I'm becoming a freeloader. Let me find an opportunity to treat Ichinose-san next time as a return gift for the last one."

"But..." The girl seemed to have more to say, but she was interrupted by Hashiba Hikaru.

"No refusing, or I won't go."

"Alright then, I'll let Hashiba-kun decide the time, and I will definitely arrive on time."

Ichinose Honami stroked the long pink hair falling over her chest, a look of longing appearing on her pretty face.

"Understood."

After the two returned to the dormitory building together, since Ichinose's room was on the sixth floor and Hashiba Hikaru's was on the third, the boy left first after riding the elevator together for a while.

Recalling the gentle expression on the girl's face when they parted, Hashiba Hikaru finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He hurriedly looked at his System Interface, where the stock price for [Ichinose Honami Stock] remained at 150, showing no changes.

"I really feel like I'm getting better at lying. I won't end up crashing and burning later, will I?"

The boy rubbed his head and took out his key to open his dormitory door.

Chapter 63: The Troublesome Kushida Kikyo

After returning to his room, Hashiba Hikaru first took a shower, then stood in front of his desk wearing a thin short-sleeved shirt and picked up his phone.